Mexoryl - A New FDA Approved Sun Protection Ingredient

Why Mexoryl Provides Superior UVA Sun Protection

Mexoryl (L'Oreal Trademark), or Ecamsule, is the latest and most advanced form of UVA sun protection and is now FDA-approved for sale in the United States. UVB rays are the ones that burn the surface of your skin. Think B for Burning. UVA rays penetrate deeper to do their damage. A is for Aging.

If you're out in the sun without sun protection, UVA rays are aging your skin even though you may not burn or tan. Dermalogists concur that the single most important thing you can do to stave off the visible signs of skin aging and prevent skin cancer is to use the best possible broad spectrum sun protection.

The SPF of a sunscreen product only refers to the protection against UVB rays. There is no standard for rating UVA protection. That is why looking at the SPF number alone is insufficient to determine if a product affords broad spectrum sun protection. In addition to checking the SPF, you need to scan the ingredient list for physical or chemical UVA filters.

Ingredients to look for are micronized Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide (physical barriers), Parsol 1789 (a.k.a. Avobenzone), Helioplex and now Mexoryl. The first two are widely available. Helioplex is found in Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 55 while Mexoryl is in Lancome UV Expert 30 face and body protection daily moisturizing cream - SPF 30.

Why is Mexoryl Superior?

Both Helioplex and Mexoryl are stabilized forms of Parsol 1789. Though Parsol 1789 very effectively absorbs UVA radiation, it is an unstable compound and loses 35% of its effectiveness after 15 minutes of sun exposure. In addition, Parsol 1789 binds iron and can cause staining of clothes washed in water with high iron content.

Mexoryl "produces a product which gives us almost perfect protection against sunshine," according to Dr. Vincent DeLeo, chairman of dermatology at Columbia University.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.